Smoozefest or snoozefest, either way this weekend’s (Sept. 24th-26th [correction]) trip to Madison by our local “usual suspects” appears to be more about building relationships at home than abroad.

Most of all, this trip is about building relationships. Not only will participants gain knowledge of what has worked and what has not worked in Madison, but a synergy will be created by our trip attendees working, traveling and discussing issues together.

This trip is not a place for any decisions to be made about our future, but rather a place to make connections and gather valuable information. Learning from the perspectives and ideas of other leaders in the community will help to ensure that our community grows and sustains itself.

Maybe joyous, interesting and possibly rewarding (or not), I hope folks aren’t going expecting to later trade upon the stronger bonds Smoozefest is supposed to engender.

Even as national scenes of “Ney Money Go” spawned by Abramoff’s scandalous behavior continue, the lure of the private/public “business” junket cannot be diminished.

And “business”, local business, forms the continuous sub-text of this jaunt.

The purpose of the Intercity Visit and Leadership Conference is to convene leaders of the Chapel Hill and Carrboro community to learn from the experiences of another successful community and to build relationships among participants that will help us successfully address our community’s challenges and opportunities.

Sure, trips like there are a hallowed American tradition. I expect (and know) our Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County elected folks will show good sense in dealing with the siren call of “walks down State Street”, “peer-to-peer meetings”, “buffet lunches” and “optional group activities”.

Heck, I know half the folks going. I’ve worked with most on one issue or another. There’s even a few I’ve “sparred with” over the last few years.

I’m sure they’ll all be on their best behavior, though better sense might’ve dictated their saving face time for the strangely entertaining festival of buffoonish and transparent come-ons – Chapel Hill’s Sleazefest.

Chapel Hill seems to be taking the trip the most seriously, sending their public works and planning dept directors, 2 members of their transportation planning dept, and their town manager. Carrboro and Orange Co are sending their economic development directors and managers. Half of Chapel Hill’s Town Council is going and just over half of Carrboro’s BOA (if this list is correct).